61Working together[K]6:1 Or As we work together with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” 2For He says:I heard you in an acceptable time,and I helped you in the day of salvation.[L]6:2 Is 49:8Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.The Character of Paul’s Ministry3We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. 4But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:by great endurance, by afflictions,by hardship, by difficulties,5by beatings, by imprisonments,by riots, by labors,by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,6by purity, by knowledge,by patience, by kindness,by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,7by the message of truth,by the power of God;through weapons of righteousnesson the right hand and the left,8through glory and dishonor,through slander and good report;as deceivers yet true;9as unknown yet recognized;as dying and look—we live;as being disciplined yet not killed;10as grieving yet always rejoicing;as poor yet enriching many;as having nothing yet possessing everything.11We have spoken openly[M]6:11 Lit Our mouths have been open to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. 12You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. 13I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.Separation to God14Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?[N]6:15 Or Beliar, a name for the Devil or antichrist in extra-biblical Jewish writings Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? For we[O]6:16 Other mss read you are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said:I will dwell among themand walk among them,and I will be their God,and they will be My people.[P]6:16 Lv 26:12; Jr 31:33; 32:38; Ezk 37:2617Therefore, come out from among themand be separate, says the Lord;do not touch any unclean thing,and I will welcome you.[Q]6:17 Is 52:1118I will be a Fatherto you,and you will be sonsand daughters to Me,says the Lord Almighty.[R]6:18 2Sm 7:14; Is 43:6; 49:22; 60:4; Hs 1:10